Feb 25, 2004
So far there is absolutely no indication of the new spirit of council
openness on this or any other issue (including where's the mayor!)
But I am concerned that the new library steering committee have already
decided on the new library and although there will be a public meeting
on it sometime after the demolition of BCI is underway it will mean
absolutely nothing. See my
letter to the editor of the Intel (published feb 07/04) on
this subject. Anyone who wants to see an adequate library anytime soon
should be very concerned. After reading the editorial of saturday Feb 21
I felt I had to send another letter to the editor. It has not been published
as yet but I will refer to it here -
the "ordinary citizen" . Clearly, the mayor's idea of the "ordinary
citizen" is one who will quietly accept whatever they are told.
Nov 27, 2003
While I am most reluctant to give up on the QCC realization of
our new library it does seem that that possibility is dead.
But the fact remains; Belleville does need a new library.
And while I am frankly skeptical of the motives and intentions of
the Library Steering Committee (originally announced as a site selection
committee), I must take them at their word that they really do want
input on what the library should contain in the way of features and facilities.
It would have been much better if this had been the first initiative
of the committee when it was formed in June of this year; but better late
than never. A library is so important to the well-being and image of a
community that it should be well considered. When Andrew Carnegie funded
libraries all across the US and Canada (dozens in Ontario alone) he realized
their importance as a community focal point, an impetus to education and
culture and a symbol of community pride. Often these were the most
imposing stuctures in their communities, aside perhaps from the churches
and banks and courthouse. Like a church, a library is far more than the
edifice, but the importance of the structural appearance should not be
underestimated. Whatever our intention, the library will be a symbol of
our civic pride and of our confidence in our future. When we take visitors
on a tour of our city they will expect to see our library. I want to be
proud of it.
JRM Nov26, 2003
My
written submission
for the Nov 27, 2003 steering committee meeting. Would you like
me to publish yours. If so send it to me. I would be happy to do so (I
still have lots of webspace left as long as I stay away from those dancing
hamsters!).
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Updated May 05/04 by John R. Meale